In a translated version, Hamrlik said: "We have to push Fehr to the wall to get the deal. Time is against us. We lost a quarter of the season, it is $425-million. Who will give it back to us, Mr. Fehr?

"There should be voting between players. Four questions _ yes or no _ then count it. If half of players say let's play, then they should sign new CBA. If there is no season, he should leave and we will find someone new. Time is our enemy."

Michal Neuvirth, one of Hamrlik’s teammates in Washington, backed Hamrlik in an interview on TV Nova Sport in the Czech Republic, the Ottawa Sun reported.

"I agree 100% with (Hamrlik)," he reportedly said. "This lockout is not about (a) majority of players. It is about several superstars with big contracts."

Friday is the 69th day of the owner-imposed lockout. Games have been canceled through Nov. 30, and there is a chance that more cancellations will be announced Friday, including the All-Star Game in Columbus.

The sides are $182 million apart in the “make whole” portion of negotiations, which would go toward guaranteeing players’ salaries. Salaries were not guaranteed in the previous seven-year CBA.

The $182 difference comes to just $1.2 million annually for each of the 30 teams over the course of the proposed five-year deal.

There are many other major issues that have to be negotiated, including length of contracts and free agency.

Both sides say they have made their best offers, which means the NHL could have its second season canceled in nine years.